If this is your first year showing livestock, you’re probably excited…and maybe a little overwhelmed. There’s a lot to learn. Feeding schedules, daily chores, grooming, walking, practicing for the show ring, and trying to figure out if you’re doing everything right.
Here’s something we want every show family to consider and remember.
“Banners are won in the barn.”
- Not on show day.
- Not during the few minutes you’re standing in front of the judge.
The families you see holding banners have spent weeks and months doing the little things right, one day at a time.
The good news is you can do the same.
Show up every day – Success comes from the daily routine
One thing you’ll hear over and over during show season is that consistency matters.
Your animal doesn’t know it’s Tuesday or Saturday. It only knows the routine you’ve created.
Feed on a regular schedule, keep fresh water available, clean the pen, and spend time working with your animal every day. While you’re in the barn, pay attention to the little things. Is your animal cleaning up its feed? Does it seem comfortable walking? Is it acting like it normally does? Catching small changes early can make a big difference.
Some days will feel repetitive, and that’s okay. The work you put in during those ordinary afternoons after school or evenings in the barn is what prepares both you and your animal for show day. By the time you walk into the ring, all of those small, consistent efforts will be reflected in your project.
Spend time with your animal
One of the best things you can do for your project doesn’t cost a thing. Spend time with your animal every day.
Daily interaction helps your animal become more comfortable around people, more confident in new surroundings, and easier to handle when it’s time to practice or step into the show ring. Just as important, you’ll begin to learn your animal’s personality and routine.
After a while, you’ll know what’s normal. You’ll notice if your pig isn’t cleaning up its feed, if your lamb seems a little sluggish, or if your steer just isn’t acting like himself. Those small changes are often the first sign that something needs your attention.
The relationship you build in the barn also shows in the ring. An animal that trusts its exhibitor is often calmer, more responsive, and easier to present to the judge. That trust isn’t built overnight. It comes from showing up every day and putting in the time together.
Feed matters, but is only part of the equation
One of the first questions we hear from new show families is, “What’s the best feed for my project?”
It’s a good question, but show feed and supplements are only part of raising a successful show animal.
A balanced feeding program works hand in hand with good daily management. Fresh water, clean pens, regular exercise, and a consistent routine all play a role in helping your animal reach its potential. When one of those pieces is missing, it’s harder for your project to stay on track.
As your animal grows, its nutritional needs will change, and it’s normal to have questions along the way. If you’re wondering if it’s time to change feeds, adjust how much you’re feeding, or add a supplement, stop by and talk with us.
Helping families build feeding programs for their show animals is one of our favorite parts of the job. Every project is different, and we’re always happy to help you find the feed and nutrition program that fits your goals.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Every family you see winning banners today was once standing in a barn asking, “What now?” They had their first project, their first weigh-in, and their first show, and they didn’t have all the answers either.
One of the best parts of the livestock community is that people genuinely want to help. Ag teachers, county extension agents, breeders, experienced exhibitors, and fellow parents have all learned valuable lessons over the years, and most are more than willing to share what they’ve learned.
If you’re unsure about feed, daily care, fitting, or what to expect at your next show, don’t hesitate to ask. Chances are, someone has been in your shoes before. A simple question today can save you a lot of frustration tomorrow and help you become a more confident exhibitor along the way.
Success is about more than banners
It’s natural to hope your hard work leads to a banner or a buckle. Every exhibitor walks into the ring wanting to hear their number called.
But don’t lose sight of everything else the project is teaching along the way.
Maybe your biggest accomplishment this month is getting your goat to brace consistently. Maybe your pig finally starts driving the way you’ve been practicing, or your steer loads into the trailer without a fight. Those moments may not earn a trophy, but they’re signs that you and your animal are making progress.
Every day you spend in the barn is building confidence, responsibility, patience, and a work ethic that extends well beyond show season. Those lessons stay with young exhibitors long after the ribbons have been packed away, and they’re often the biggest reward of the entire experience.
Keep doing the little things
When you walk into the show ring, it can feel like everything comes down to that one moment. It does… and it doesn’t. Seasoned show judges will see the result of months of work.
- Every morning feeding.
- Every evening in the barn.
- Every practice session.
- Every time you chose to show up, even when you didn’t feel like it.
That’s where champions are made. The show ring is simply where banners awarded.
We’re here to help
At Johnson Feed, we’ve worked with generations of show families, from first-time exhibitors to state champions. If you’re wondering how much to feed, which feed fits your project, or what to expect during the season, stop by and visit with us. There isn’t a single feeding program that works for every animal. We’ll help you build one that’s right for your project and your goals.
